Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO)

AAHPO (Armenian American Health Professionals Organization) was established in the fall of 1994 after a series of meetings between Nabet Kasabian, M.D., Khoren Nalbandian, R.Ph. and John Nercessian, M.D. All three were active individuals in the Armenian community of the New York and New Jersey Metropolitan area. They felt that the Armenian community was devoid of a medical healthcare group. It was through their vision and determination that they formed a steering committee by identifying key individuals who would be appropriate to recruit in this endeavor. The original steering committee consisted of Dr. Nabet Kasabian, Khoren Nalbandian, R.Ph., Dr. John Nercessian, Dr. Pierre Maljian, Dr. Haikaz Grigorian, Dr. Edmund Gergerian, Dr. Kourkin Tchorbajian, Dr. Knarig Khatchadourian, Dr. Harout Mekhjian, Dr. Hrair Shahinian, Annette Choulfayan, M.A., Dr. Robert Aslanian and others. After several meetings, preliminary by-laws were drafted and the organization achieved non-profit status. It was decided that AAHPO membership would be open to individuals with professional degrees in all health-related fields including physicians, dentists, pharmacists, podiatrists, chiropractors, optometrists, nurses, physical therapists, etc. The primary mission of AAHPO continues to be to promote and advance the science and art of healing; to educate and improve the health services of the Armenian community in the metropolitan area; to foster fellowship among Armenian Health Professionals; to assist young Armenian health professionals with direction and guidance into respective medical fields; to cooperate and coordinate activities with other Armenian Health Professional organizations and to address and improve health care needs in Armenia. Throughout the years, AAHPO has served the community at large by organizing several Health Fairs, holding Panel Discussions on health related issues and recently presenting Medical Workshops in metropolitan area churches. Members of the organization have also contributed medical columns in the Armenian Reporter and have been interviewed by Armenian Radio Hour. AAHPO has honored and paid special tribute to exceptional individuals in the Armenian community for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of healthcare here and in Armenia. They were: Mrs. Louise Simone Manoogian, Dr. Ara Hovanessian, Dr. Avedis K. Khatchadourian, Dr. Stephan Ariyan, Dr. Edgar Housepian, Dr. Harout Mekhjian, Mr. Kevork Hovnanian, and Mrs. Rita Balian and Dr. Aram V. Chobanian. The success of the organization depends on the participation and involvement of its members and the support of the community at large. We acknowledge and thank all those who contribute to enhancing the mission of AAHPO. We welcome new members and encourage them to become active in the organization.